Stately home goes electric with off-road motorbike launch
A stately home on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border is gearing up for a fantastic new attraction – a brand-new electric dirt bike experience.
Weston Park has teamed up with Begin Off Road to give visitors the chance to take to the estate’s trails and tracks on environmentally-friendly OSET electric motorbikes.
The off-road sessions can be tailored for everyone from absolute beginners to experienced riders, giving a unique chance to see Weston’s Capability Brown grounds from a new perspective.
Begin Off Road has been trialling the sessions since March and they have gone so well they are now being offered to the general public.
The team has mapped out and enhanced existing trails in Newport Plantation and Cow Hey Wood, as well as utilising estate roads, to create an unforgettable off-road experience for everyone.
Begin Off Road founder James Johnson-Pickering said: “As a former motocross racer, I had a passion for the sport, but marriage and children came along so time was limited. The rise of electric bikes presented a fantastic opportunity and Begin Off Road was born.
“Initially we operated from a small farm, but as we grew, we needed a permanent home. Weston Park fits the bill perfectly. I am excited to share my enthusiasm and expertise with a new audience, from one-to-one beginner sessions to more advanced riders.”
Each session lasts approximately one hour, guiding riders through Weston Park’s stunning Capability Brown parkland, estate roads, woodlands and up to the Knoll for a pit stop to enjoy breath-taking views.
Jennifer Astbury, head of estate operations, said: “We are thrilled to welcome James and Begin Off Road to the Weston Park family. The feedback from our trial sessions has been overwhelmingly positive and many of our team members have tried it themselves!
“Riders receive expert and enjoyable tuition from James, explore the parts of the estate off the beaten track and have an incredible experience.”
Begin Off Road at Weston Park operates year-round, in all weather conditions, and is open for anyone aged four and upwards with sessions starting at £45 per person.
Find out more at beginoffroad.co.uk or weston-park.com
pic: James Johnson-Pickering and Jennifer Astbury at Weston Park
